Film review

Palo Alto

Based on a book of short stories written by James Franco, this delicate debut for director Gia Coppola captures the affluent world of teenagers experimenting with vices in dull suburbia. The narrative focuses on shy, innocent April (Emma Roberts) who gets into a sexual relationship with her football coach Mr B (James Franco). Charming stoner Teddy (Jack Kilmer) longs for April but struggles to express his feelings and gain her attention.  Teddy also slowly begins to tire of his impulsive best friend Fred (Nat Wolff) whose self-destructive behaviour gets Teddy into trouble, whilst Fred engages in a destructive sexual relationship with Emily (Zoe Levin) who is isolated due to her compulsive promiscuity.

The main cast are remarkable in their roles, the characterisation feels authentic and believable; Jack Kilmer and Nat Wolff steal all the scenes they’re in with their captivating chemistry. The dreamy shots of Palo Alto late at night form a moody atmosphere which complements the beautifully empty tone of the film; the cinematography is the highest point of the film. Palo Alto offers a great soundtrack of sweet synth pop which is delicately interlaced into the scenes. The score and cinematography aid each other in capturing the teenage angst.

However the film suffers from a lack of a cohesive narrative and it feels incomplete. Coppola concentrates too hard on making the characters seem realistic that they end up being aimless and unfocused. The emphasis on mood and the lack of a message make the characters less sympathetic, they come off privileged and disinteresting.

In conclusion Palo Alto is a representative coming-of-age story, which paints a realistic portrait of affluent kids who drink too much but say too little. Teenage angst is perfectly captured through tone but Palo Alto lacks a coherent direction and suffers from the absence of a message.